Extractions: Mark Cavanaugh, Ph.D. Alonzo Mourning Pro Basketball Player and Seven-time NBA All-Star Upon graduating from Georgetown University in 1992 with a degree in Sociology, Alonzo was drafted in the First round, second pick overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA draft. After being diagnosed with Focal Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a degenerative kidney ailment, at the start of the 2000-2001 season, Alonzo personally lead a campaign to raise minimum of $2 million in funds for research, education, and testing to fight FSGS. He returned to the court the same year to play in the final 13 games of the season. Off the court, Alonzo has dedicated himself to creating positive and lasting changes in the lives of children. He has focused his community involvement on becoming an outspoken advocate for youth initiatives and foster care programs that assist abused, abandoned and neglected kids. Spearheaded by Mourning, Alonzo Mourning Charities (AM Charities), a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) public fundraising foundation, was created to provide support and services that enhance the lives of youth of promise. Since 1997, AM Charities has raised more than $6.5 million for various organizations that aid in the development of children and families living in at-risk situations.